ENGR. MARITES R. PANGILINAN, P.E.E.

WHAT IS LOW VOLTAGE INSULATION COORDINATION

AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT
WHERE DO SURGES COME FROM
HOW DO SPDs WORK/TYPE OF SPDs
SPD SPECIFICATIONS
SPD COORDINATION /CASCADING
COMPUTATIONS
WHAT IS LOW VOLTAGE INSULATION COORDINATION AND WHY
IT IS IMPORTANT
 What is Low Voltage Insulation Coordination?

Insulation coordination aims at reducing the likelihood of

equipment dielectric failure brought about by voltage surges
popularly known problem called overvoltage, where equipment or
a circuit is exposed to more voltage than it could handle.
 It consists of matching the various surge levels that may appear on an
electrical installation with the surge withstand of the industrial or domestic
equipment within the system.

Why is Low Voltage Insulation Coordination Important?

This will ensure

safety of people,
protection of equipment,
and, to a certain extent continuity of supply.

To achieve this purpose, a surge protective device is added to an electrical

system to aid in managing these voltage surges.

ANSI/UL 1449 Third Edition ANSI/IEEE C62.41.1 (2002) IEC 61643-1

 World Standards for Surge Protective Device
10-250kA Mode
20-500kA Phase
1449 3rd ANSI/UL :
Standard for transient
Voltage
IEEE C62.41.1 (2002): Guide
On The Surge Environment
In Low-Voltage (1000V And
Less) AC Power Circuits
Type 1: 12,5-33kA
61643 -11 IEC Low- per Pole
voltage surge protective
devices Part 1: Surge Type 2: 8-65kA per Pole,
protective devices
connected to low-voltage Up to 160kA in China
power systems
Requirements and tests.
ccc
WHERE DO SURGES COME FROM
WAVEFORMS ARE USED TO TEST
SURGE PROTECTIVE DEVICES

Identifying the characteristic of the transient

voltage surges will lead to the correct
application of the SPD
 WHERE DO SURGES COME FROM
Two Basic Types of transient Voltage Surges ( IEEE C62.41 Standard):

First, a combination-wave transient. The second waveform, called a ring wave.

A combination wave is associated with It is important in testing SPDs higher-
lightning-induced transients on utility frequency response to transients created
power lines. within a facility by interrupted load currents.

Closed Circuit Opening of Circuit

Switching - Example : Switching of breaker

Lightning Induced Transients (Ring wave)
(Combination Wave)
 WHERE DO SURGES COME FROM

Combination Wave

The combination-wave transients that could be

expected from lightning were characterized,

One waveform shown comprises the test

CURRENT, and is defined by an 8 microsecond
(written 8s) rise time, with a 20s trailoff. At that
point, the wave has diminished to 50% of its peak
value.

The accompanying VOLTAGE waveform for

lightning has a 1.2s rise time with a 50s trail-off.

The test parameter just described is called a

combination wave because the test source must
provide both the current and voltage waveforms
simultaneously.
Ring Wave
A ring wave is an oscillatory surge with relatively
high voltage levels at relatively high frequency, but
with limited energy content.

As shown , the ring wave is characterized as having

a fast rise time of only 0.5s along with a 10s period,
which yields a natural frequency of 100 kHz.

Ring waves are associated with:

o fuses opening,
o power factor/capacitor switching action,
o load switching of motors, pumps, compressors,
other electrical loads.
The IEC Class I test for SPDs
According to IEC 61643-1 (2002) [B10],
the test impulse current of the Class I test
is defined by its peak value and charge
transfer.

A further stipulation is that the specified

peak current and charge transfer be
reached within 10 s. Because these
stresses are substantial, several levels of
peak current values are tabulated in that
IEC standard, allowing a case-by-case
decision on selecting the appropriate level.

The standard also states that a typical

waveshape that can achieve these
parameters is that of a unipolar impulse
current. A proposed additional note states
that one of the possible waveshapes
meeting these parameters may be the
10/350 s waveshape defined in the IEC
documents dealing with lightning
DIRECT HIT
protection.
Three Important Waveforms

1.Combination wave 8/20s , 1.2/50s

2.Ring wave 0.5 /10s

3. IEC 10/350s
 IMPULSE WITHSTAND CATEGORY (IEC)
Impulse Example of equipment in category Required impulse
withstand withstand voltage
category

I Sensitive electronic equipment connected to the fixed installation 1.5KV

(low impulse
voltage)

II Domestic appliances and portable tools connected to fixed installations 2.5kV

(normal impulse
voltage)
III Equipment intended to be installed in a part of the fixed installation where 4.0KV
(high impulse a high degree of availability of overvoltages is expected, such as
voltage) distribution boards, circuit breakers and wiring systems

IV Equipment intended to be installed at or near the intake to the 6.0KV

(very high impulse installation, such as the energy meter
voltage)

Required minimum
withstand voltage for equipment where installation Rated voltage is 230V
IEEE 62.41 LOCATION CATEGORY

Category C environments are located on the

LINE side of the service disconnect.
Outside and service entrance
Service drop from pole to building
Run between meter and panel
Overhead line to detached building
Underground line to well pump

Category B environments are immediately adjacent

on the LOAD side of the service disconnect breaker.
Category B environments are characterized as
having short branch circuits and feeder lines.
Distribution panel devices
Bus and feeder industrial plants
Heavy appliance outlets with short connections to
service entrance
Lighting systems in large buildings

Category A : Outlets and Long Branch Circuits

--All outlets at more that 10 m (30 ft.) from Category B.
--All outlets at more than 20 m (60 ft.) from Category C.

Notice that Category C environments are subjected only to

combination wave transients,
Category B environments are tested using both ring waves an
combination waves.
Category A environments are tested with ring
waves only.
 Comparison between IEC and UL Surge Protective Devices
Use linked to /based on risk UL 3rd Use linked to /based on point
Protection IEC
assessment edition of installation

Used to protect against the Used after service transformer

Line side Type1 effects caused by direct or close- Type1 but before the first circuit
up strikes breaker

Used to protect against the

Permanently connected SPDs
effects caused by remote strikes,
Line /Load side Type2 Type2 after the circuit breaker
inductive or capacitive coupling,
(most of products)
and switching surge voltages

Used to protect
Load side Type 3 Type3 Cord Connected, Direct Plug-in
particularly sensitive termination

Component - Type4 Used as discrete components

 COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT STANDARDS

ANSI/IEEE62.41 Category C Category B Category A

Outside, service Service equipment, Major Long branch circuits and
entrance equipment feeders, and short branch circuits receptacles

10KV or more 6KV 4 KV

Classification of SPD SPD Type 1 SPD Type 2 SPD Type 3
(UL 1449 3rd Edition) In=10kA, 20kA In=3kA, 5kA, 10kA, 20kA In= 3kA
wave Combination wave Combination wave / Ring Ring wave
(8 x 20 s ) & wave
(1.2 x 50 s )
IEC 61643 TEST CLASS Class I Class II Class III
(10 x 350 s) (8 x 20 s ) (0.5./10s)

Overvoltage Category Category IV Category III Category II Category I

Overvoltage withstand 6KV 4KV 2.5KV 1.5KV
Classification of SPD (IEC) SPD Type 1 SPD Type 2 SPD Type 3

Impulse discharge current (Iimp): Maximum discharge Open circuit

maximal discharge current for current (Imax): maximal voltage (Uoc):
impulse wave 10/350S, which SPD discharge current for open circuit voltage
can withstand at least 1 time. impulse wave 8/20S, which of the combination
SPD can withstand at least 1 wave generator at
time. the point of
connection of the
device under test
HOW DOES SPD WORK/ TYPES OF SPDs
HOW DOES SPD WORKS?

Connected in parallel to the

incoming SPD has big
impedance

When the overvoltage

comes, SPD conducts and
drives the surge current to
the earth

For efficient protection of

installation and
equipment use SPD!
 TECHNOLOGIES USED IN SPDs

Spark Gap Triggered Gas discharge

Spark Gap MOV Zener
without trigger tube
diode

Type1 or 2 Type1 / 2 / Type3

Type1 Type1 3

Discharge Capability Fast Response

Due to high MOV current withstand capacity technology can be used in Type1 SPD
Flashover happens in Spark gap used technology -> limited number of applications of
use
SPD SPECIFICATIONS
IEC STANDARD COMPLIANT SPD UL/ANSI STANDARD COMPLIANT SPD

available in 30kA, 60kA, 100kA and

150kA per phase peak surge capacity
with 200kAIC short circuit current
rating.
 SPD SPECIFICATIONS
Surge Protective Device Specifications

1. DEVICE CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION:

This defines the components within the Surge Protective Device
that actually suppress transient voltage surges. Examples include
Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs),
gas-tube design.

2. MAXIMUM SURGE CURRENT: (IMAX)

This is the maximum discharge current for impulse wave 8/20S, which SPD can
withstand at least 1 time.

3. Nominal discharge current : (In)

Crest Value of Surge current of 8/20 s waveform associated with Type 2 spds
During the test SPD shall withstand this value ~20 times.

4. Impulse discharge current: (Iimp)

Impulse current of 10/350S waveform associated with Type 1 spds and can
withstand at least 1 time

5. Maximum continuous operating voltage: (Uc)

Maximum r.m.s. voltage, which may be continuously applied to the SPD's mode of
protection without it conducting the higher, the better

6.Voltage protection level : (Up)

Maximum voltage to be expected at the SPD terminals due to an impulse stress In
and or Iimp the lower the better (<1,5kV)
7. PROTECTION MODES:
three modes of surge protection should be provided: line to neutral, ine to ground,
and neutral to ground. Of course, clamping data should be furnished for each
mode. In the case of panel-mounted units, especially those installed on delta
systems or at service entrances where ground and neutral are bonded, the devices
may provide adequate protection even though every possible suppression mode is
not applicable.

8. SAFETY AGENCY APPROVALS:

Certification organizations like UL, IEEE, IEC, CSA, and NOM, should be
specified along with their appropriate test standards, product categories, and
reference file numbers.
UL 1449 TYPE 1

The peak value of

an 8/20 s (Type
1 or) remains
functional after 15
surges Type 2 devices
can be tested
using a 3, 5, 10 or
UL 1449 TYPE 2 20 kA.
SPD COORDINATION/ CASCADING
 CASCADING
Cascading is the term used to describe the method of combining several levels of surge
protective devices into the one installation.

This takes advantage of the best features of each device to improve the protection level for
the equipment. Often manufacturer recommends using a high surge current capacity device to
divert the bulk of the transient over-voltage at the origin of the installation.

In the case of a Class 1 & 2 device this would be either the spark gap arrester or a high
current capacity MOV. Should finer protection be required, the next step is to install a Class 3
device near the terminal equipment.

Cascading increases the current diverting capacity of the SPD system whilst maintaining a
low voltage (Up) to ensure the best protection for valuable equipment.

Selecting SPD of the same manufacturer or make will ensure correct coordination between
devices
FACILITY-WIDE PROTECTION SOLUTIONS IEEE EMERALD BOOK
RECOMMENDS A CASCADE (OR 2-STAGE ) APPROACH
 PROTECTION DISTRIBUTED LEVELS
Type 1: when the
building is fitted with a
lightning protection
system and located at
the incoming end of the
installation, it absorbs a
very large quantity of
energy;

Type1 Type2 Type3

Type 2: absorbs residual
overvoltages;
MDB SDB FDB

Type 3: provides "fine"

protection if necessary
90% 9% 1%
for the most sensitive
equipmentlocated very
close to the loads.
 IEC 62305-1.
Maximum lightning
200kA current parameter for
LPL 1 is fixed at 200kA

100kA

50% 100kA

50%

Three phase TT, TNS, IT (with neutral) systems:

100kA /2 = 12.5kA/wire
4 wires
Three phase TNC, IT (without neutral) systems:
100kA/2 =18.7 kA/wire
3 wires
Single phase TT, TNC system:
100kA =50kA/wire
2wires
COMPUTATIONS
COMPUTATIONS

V = L di/dt
 COMPUTATION
High-energy transients occur whenever a current is interrupted. The higher the current, the
greater the amplitude of the transient. The following formula can be used to determine the
transient voltage level (represented by V in the equation):

V = L di/dt
L - is the circuits total inductance.
di - represents the rate of change in the current.
dt - is the interval of time over which the current changed.

Note that since dt is the denominator in this fraction, the faster the transient (meaning the smaller
the number represented by dt), the larger the transient amplitude (represented by V) becomes.
 Example - Computation for Determining voltage protection level (Uprotec) at at
the Installation point of SPD
Step 1 : Connections of a SPD to the loads should be as short as possible in order to reduce the value of the
voltage protection level (installed Uprotec) on the terminals of the protected equipment. The total length of SPD
connections to the network and the earth terminal block should not exceed 50cm.

Step 2: The voltage Uprot is the sum of protection level of the SPD Up and inductive voltage drop appearing on the
conductors connecting SPD and protective device :
Uprot = Up + Uind = Up + Ldi/dt Ui
The voltage sensed by the device Uprot has to be less than dielectric strength:
Uprot Uw

The protection level of the SPD (kV) is determined as:

Up = Uprot - Uind = Uprot - Ldi/dt Ui
Step 3: To calculate using example above:
a) Assuming that the total length of the conductor is L = L1 + L2+L3 = <50 cm
b) The load to be protected is a sensitive load

For the conductor

A distributed inductance of a typical conductor is approximately 1H/m, which at the current rate of rise of 1
kA/s contributed approximately with 1kV per meter length.
Hence applying Lenzs law to this connection: U= L di/dt
U - the transient voltage level
L - is the circuits total inductance.
di - represents the rate of change in the current
dt - is the interval of time over which the current changed.

The normalized 8/20 s current wave, with a current amplitude of 8kA, accordingly creates voltage rise of
1000V/m of cable.

U=L di/dt = (0.5m) 1 x 10-6 x 8 x103

8 x 10-6
= 500V

For the voltage protection level

The required protection level of SPD at termination board is determined as overvoltage category II which is
2.5 KV.
Up as per manufacturer brochure is 1.5kV. Hence

Uprotec = Up + U1 + U2
= 1.5kV + 500V
=2kV
Uprot Ui
Hence 2kv < 2.5kv The device is protected by the SPD
Example 2 - Coordination of surge protective device

P1 P2

The fine-protection device P2 is installed in parallel with the incoming protection device P1.

If the distance L is too small, at the incoming overvoltage, P2 with a protection

level of U2 = 1500 V will operate before P1 with a level of U1 = 2000 V.

P2 will not withstand an excessively high current. The protection devices must therefore be coordinated to ensure that
P1 activates before P2.

To do this, we shall experiment with the length L of the cable, i.e. the value of the self-inductance between the two
protection devices. This self-inductance will block the current flow to P2 and cause a certain delay, which will force P1
to operate before P2.

A metre of cable gives a self- inductance of approximately 1H.

The rule U= Ldi /dt causes a voltage drop of approximately 1000 V/m/kA, 8/20 s wave.

For L = 10 m, we get UL1 = UL2 1000 V.

U=L di/dt = (10m) 1 x 10-6 x 8 x103

8 x 10-6
= 1000V

To ensure that P2 operates with a level of protection of 1500 V requires

U1 = UL1 + UL2 + U2 = 1000 + 1000 + 1500 V = 3500 V.
Consequently, P1 operates before 2000 V and therefore protects P2.
THANK YOU !!!